10 Questions with ... Matt "DJ Ecto1" Hernandez

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I kicked off my journey at KVTA-A (NewsTalk 1580am)/Ventura as a board op. This was my foot in the door, and I would be dropping off mixtape demos to the 2nd floor as often as possible to KCAQ. After 10 amazing years soaking up the knowledge, programming, imaging and on air with KCAQ/KQIE/KFYV, I packed my bags and left the nest of my hometown market "805" to spread my wings in the Albuquerque, NM. no Walter White lol. I spent two years with some great people at AGM as a PD/MD.

Dreams do come true. I'm now in both spaces of broadcasting (Digital and Terrestrial ) living my dream at Dash Radio as Head of Programming for Hip-Hop & Dance as well as an On-Air Mixer and Music Editor for KPWR Power 106 and On Air Mixer for 93.5 KDAY.

1. What got you into radio, initially?

My love for music of all genres. I was a band geek from 4th grade through high school and the art of DJing followed. One day a local radio station came to visit for career day and POW!

2. What did you dream of becoming when you were a kid?

A radio DJ...go figure.

3. What would you like to do better as a programmer as we move through 2023?

Expanding the awareness of Dash Radio and its channels, we're a fast growing network with multiple DJs and personalities from around the globe. Dash is commercial free and with no subscriptions.

4. What was the last song that left you speechless on first listen?

"Rich Flex". Drake & 21 came in HOT! On the Dance side, Skrillex "Rumble".

5. What makes Dash Radio special to the listener and to you as a programmer?

Listener consumption has evolved at a rapid pace and one thing I absolutely love about programming at Dash is having the freedom to super serve the audience. Dash is a national platform that shares traditional values of terrestrial but is in every way a digital monster breaking records from East to West coast with no limitations of PPM and Diary market analysis, If a record is hot, it's hot.

6. If you weren't in the business of music and entertainment, what do you think you'd be doing professionally?

A stay-at-home dad. "No amount of money ever bought back a second of time" - Tony Stark.

7. Got any hobbies? What do you like to do in your spare time?

Golf, Fortnite @djecto1 let's get some DUBS!

8. If you could be on any TV reality show or game show, which would you want to be on?

I'd jump in a time machine to MTV's Road Rules.

9. Money is no object…Who DJs your wedding reception? What if you need a band. Who are you calling? Remember, they may have to play the "Chicken Dance" and "Cupid Shuffle" :

I've been here already. If I could do it over, I'd have a rotation of the Power 106 Mixers/DJ buddies and for the band, The Roots.

10. Who were/are some of your mentors?

I've been blessed to have some of the best in the industry! Brian "Big Bear" Davis, Damian "Damizza" Young, Joey "Joey Boy" Rodriguez, DJ E-Man, Mikee Mike Coquia and finally, my wife, Nancy Rodriguez, catch her on KBIG (104.3 MyFM)/Los Angeles in the morning.

If you had to eat one type of meal every day for a month, what would it be?

Hawaiian BBQ!

Most Sunday mornings, I'm drinking coffee, making my grocery list, and listening to The Chicks or Midland. Do you have any musical guilty pleasures that might surprise people?

90's/2k Bubblegum Pop, It's hilarious and works in the club when I'm djing. It's safe to say, Backstreets back alright!